City of Atlanta Seeking Pension Payment Refund

The City of Atlanta was notified by the IRS on September 14th of unpaid taxes, penalties and interest which totaled $2.5 million related to the City’s pension funds. The penalties and interest were imposed because the City was a few days late on some of its monthly pension payments.

The City intends to seek a full refund. As a first step of that effort, the City sent a letter on September 21th requesting a refund of $894,000 that was paid to the Police Pension fund instead of the General Fund pension account.

Based on legal advice about the pension payment, the City paid the full $2.5 million IRS levy bill on September 23rd even though it is pending an appeal
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City of Atlanta Wins Playful City USA for the Third Consecutive Year

For the third consecutive year, KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to bringing play back into children’s lives, has named the City of Atlanta a Playful City USA community.

The City of Atlanta is one of 93 communities across the nation that has taken innovative approaches to make play a priority and ensure that children have the time and space they need to play. Despite the down economy, the City of Atlanta supports its communities in building and maintaining play spaces and developing programming to meet the needs of the community.

“This is an honor for the City of Atlanta to be recognized three years in row for our dedication to play, “says the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Dianne Harnell Cohen. “We are proud to provide the residents and visitors play spaces to enjoy throughout the City of Atlanta.”

The Atlanta Taskforce on Play (ATOP) was instrumental in working with City of Atlanta in demonstrating creative commitments to the cause of play. “The freedom to play in a beautiful, safe, fun, clean, creative environment is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children,” says ATOP Founder Cynthia Gentry.

The City of Atlanta and ATOP will host the City of Atlanta’s second annual Great Atlanta PLAY DAY on September 26, 2009; a day where people will turn off their TVs, shut down their computers and go outside to play.
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US Department of Justice COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) Grant Award

The Department of Justice has approved a COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) grant award for 50 police officer positions in Atlanta. The estimated amount of federal funds to be awarded over the three-year grant period is $11,209,300.00.

The official notification has been provided and as soon as the City receives their award letter this fall, Atlanta Police Department will begin the process of adding police officers to the force.

The department will receive a COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) grant award for 50 officer positions. The estimated amount of federal funds to be awarded to your jurisdiction over the three-year grant period is $11,209,300.00. When the grant funding ends, there must be a plan to sustain the additional officers as the City seeks to increase the police force to reach a minimum goal of 2,000 police officers.

Atlanta Deputy Chief George Turner said that the goal is to have a recruit class this fall with the 50 new recruits. Once the officers are trained they will be dispatched into the community. The police department is proud and happy to add 50 new officers to the force, said Chief Turner. All the positions awarded under the grant must be used to initiate or enhance community policing in the City of Atlanta.

Currently, the City of Atlanta authorized positions (budgeted for) is 1,701 sworn police.
Mayor Shirley Franklin believes that the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) program is vital in the crime-fighting efforts of American cities. Franklin said, “ I join other mayors and local officials in acknowledging the Department of Justice and Attorney General Eric Holder for their efforts to advocate on behalf of cities. Atlanta competed nationally for this grant along with hundreds of other communities, and this award represents an important public safety investment in our community.”

The Recovery Act grants, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the federal agency’s COPS Hiring Recovery Program, provide much needed financial support to state, local and tribal governments, and will help the nation’s law enforcement agencies add and retain the manpower needed to fight crime more effectively through community policing. The Department of Justice received over 7,200 applications for more than 39,000 officer positions, representing a total of $8.3 billion in requested funding.

The Recovery Act includes $4 billion in Department of Justice grant funding to enhance state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts, including the hiring of new police officers, to combat violence against women, and to fight internet crimes against children. In addition to today’s COPS awards, to date the Department of Justice has awarded $1.7 billion through formula state and local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, $95 million through the Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant Program, $41.5 million for Internet Crimes Against Children initiatives, $127 million in Office on Violence Against Women Recovery Act funds and $8.6 million for assistance for law enforcement along the Southern Border and in high intensity drug trafficking areas.
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City of Atlanta Parking Management Statement

The City of Atlanta is planning to adopt new legislation for comprehensive parking management services including meter installation and maintenance, collection of meter revenue, parking enforcement, electronic processing of ticketing and payments, and delinquent collections.

The parking enforcement component will include ticketing, booting, and towing of vehicles with at least 3 outstanding parking citations.

The new system is planned for implementation in Fall 2009. Prior to implementation, a public education campaign will be used to advise the public about the new program and obtain information about outstanding parking citations. It will include public service announcements via television, print, and electronic media.

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City of Atlanta Statement in Regard to the Georgia Supreme Court’s Decision in Columbus vs. Expedia, Inc.

The City of Atlanta believes today’s Supreme Court decision in Columbus vs. Expedia, Inc. is a very positive development. In that decision upholding a permanent injunction against Expedia, Inc, the majority recognized that Expedia Inc. in fact collects taxes from its customers. The Court also recognized that, under both state and local law, occupancy taxes are to be collected on the amount the customer pays for the room. Finally, the Court held that, so long as Expedia collects taxes from customers, it must collect taxes on the amount its customers pay as a room rate and remit those taxes to the appropriate municipality. The City of Atlanta believes that this decision validates the positions that the City has taken in its lawsuit, currently pending in Fulton County Superior Court.

Atlanta brought its suit to collect recovery of occupancy taxes as collected by the online travel companies. Even though those companies would charge the same retail room rate as would a local hotel, Atlanta would receive less money in those transactions where the online travel companies rather than the hotel collected the taxes. Again, Atlanta is pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision and looks forward to recovering past due occupancy taxes in its pending case, as well as securing compliance with state and local tax laws going forward.
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Atlanta's CFO Responds to Internal Audit

City of Atlanta Chief Financial Officer James Glass today released the following statement regarding the Performance Review of the Department of Watershed Management conducted by the City’s internal auditor and KPMG at the request of the City Council:

“I am grateful for the hard work and dedicated effort that is evident in the Performance Review of the Department of Watershed Management. The Performance Review offers many sound recommendations, a significant feat given the demands of creating this important review in a relatively short time period.

However, I believe the final analysis as it relates to rate setting and budgeting to be flawed because of a lack of understanding about what is happening in the credit and financial markets and the environment in which the City of Atlanta is currently operating. Additionally, the auditors have not anticipated some serious risk factors and what they mean in relation to the Department’s debt coverage.

These risk factors could pose a significant threat to interest rates, the amount of debt the Department is carrying and termination costs and would require the Department to make drastic cuts to its capital program, potentially falling out of compliance with Federal Consent Decree mandates.

Many variables impact the Department’s financial picture. It is my belief that the Performance Review seriously understates the impact of the international credit crisis on the City’s borrowing ability and has made assumptions about budgeting that cannot be supported in this current economic climate.

Therefore, I would recommend that, with the exception of implementing some of the operational recommendations set forth in the Performance Review, the City defer taking action on any financial recommendations for six months.

This would give the Department sufficient time to determine the direction the international financial markets are taking and make judgments that will allow it to continue to meet federal requirements as it provides the exceptional water and wastewater services that are, after all, the reason the Department exists.”
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Mayor Franklin Delivers $541 Million Proposed Budget for FY2010

Mayor Shirley Franklin delivered her proposed FY2010 budget for the City of Atlanta to the City Council today. Highlights of the proposed budget include:

· The elimination of the furlough that was introduced during FY2009 as a cost savings measure. All City employees – including public safety personnel – will return to a 40 hour work week
· Savings initiatives of nearly $60 million
· The authorized General Fund workforce will be less than 4,000, a reduction from approximately 5,600 in 2001.
· A three mill increase in the property tax millage rate. For the average City of Atlanta (in Fulton County) homeowner this represents a 7% increase in the total property tax bill or a $20 per month increase in property taxes.

“Despite the fact that the City has seen an $88 million reduction in revenues as a result of this historic recession, we have a responsibility to ensure that basic municipal services are delivered”, said the Mayor. “We have reduced spending through the furloughs, layoffs, and other measures. However, we must increase our revenues if we are to return our public safety and other core services to full-time operation.”

With this budget, the City will reduce its general fund workforce from 5,617 in 2001 to 3,934, a 30% reduction. This is during a period in which the City has grown by 25%. According to recent Bain & Company analysis, the City has moved from second-worst performing city among major cities in the country in terms of efficiency to the second best.

The 3 mill rate increase is consistent with millage rate increases that have occurred during previous recessions. During both the 1991 recession (+2 mills) and the 2001 recession (+3 mills), millage rates were increased in response to declining revenues.

Budget FAQs are attached and the full budget document is available on line at www.atlantaga.gov.
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City of Atlanta Severe Weather Update

City of Atlanta personnel are working hard in the clean-up and recovery effort following today’s severe weather.

Latest Updates as of 2:35 pm

Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department
· Received 272 unique calls.
· 218 calls pending.
Atlanta Police Department
· Attended to vehicle struck by tree.
· Tree down across Ponce de Leon at Durant Street blocking all six lanes of Ponce de Leon. Current list of all street closures will be emailed when available.
Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
· Members of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (DPRCA) are working with other city departments to get an assessment on the damages, clearing trees and cleaning up debris.
Department of Public Works
· Members of the Department of Public Works are providing assistance with heavy equipment as needed to DPRCA for tree removal.
· Sporadic traffic signal malfunctions are being addressed as they are reported.

There is a possibility of thunderstorms Monday evening and Tuesday morning in the Atlanta area. The City of Atlanta encourages all residents and businesses that have experienced damage to secure their tarps and debris to prevent further damage to their property. More information about tomorrow’s weather forecast can be found at www.weather.gov.
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Mayor Shirley Franklin Among Mayors to Discuss Priorities in Public Education

U.S. Mayors from across the country will convene with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and members of Congress for the Mayors’ National Forum on Education on Tuesday March 31, at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Mayors will hear presentations from the following during the Forum: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (CO), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA), U.S. Congressman & Urban Caucus Chair Chaka Fattah (PA), and School Superintendents from the District of Columbia, New Haven, CT and Trenton, NJ public school systems.

Made possible by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Forum will provide an opportunity for mayors to dialogue with Department of Education officials about mayoral priorities in education. The Forum will also cover topics such as early childhood education, high school dropout prevention and afterschool programming.

www.usmayors.org.

MEETING ATTENDEES:

Mayor Sam Adams, Portland, OR
Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee, WI
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, New York, NY
Mayor Kevin Burns, North Miami, FL
Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, West Sacramento, CA
Mayor David N. Cicilline, Providence, RI
Mayor Ron Dellums, Oakland, CA
Mayor John DeStefano, Jr., New Haven, CT
Mayor Virginia Dupuy, Waco, TX
Mayor William D. Euille, Alexandria, VA
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Washington, DC
Mayor Shirley Franklin, Atlanta, GA
Mayor Willie W. Herenton, Memphis, TN
Mayor Kevin Johnson, Sacramento, CA
Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond, VA
Mayor Dannel P. Malloy, Stamford, CT
Mayor Thomas Masters, Riviera Beach, FL
Mayor Doug Palmer, Trenton, NJ
Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Allentown, PA
Mayor Brian U. Stratton, Schenectady, NY
Superintendent Andres Alonso, Baltimore, MD
Superintendent Karen Angello, Allentown, PA
Superintendent Sheldon Berman, Louisville, KY
Superintendent Tom Brady, Providence, RI
Superintendent Allen Johnson, Asheville, NC
Tom Cochran, USCM CEO & Executive Director

The City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Awarded Accreditation by the National Recreation and Parks Association

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (DPRCA) was awarded accreditation status through the National Parks and Recreation Association’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) accreditation program. CAPRA reviews best practices of parks and recreation departments’ operations, management and service to the community. The announcement was made at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2009 Spring Conference in Washington, D.C. on Friday, March 20, 2009.

“The process of accreditation is an extensive undertaking that requires park and recreation agencies to respond to 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient agency operations,” says the City of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. "The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs under the leadership of Commissioner Dianne Harnell Cohen worked diligently to complete the accreditation program with successful and lasting results for the City and the community.”

“This national recognition by the National Recreation and Parks Association is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a parks, recreation and cultural affairs agency and sets us apart from thousands of other agencies and systems throughout the nation.” says Dianne Harnell Cohen, Commissioner of City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs who accepted the National Accreditation Award. “Achieving accreditation validates our commitment to overall excellence in providing programs and services to the City of Atlanta.”

One of the City’s strategic partners on parks and green space, Park Pride, was instrumental in the rigorous accreditation process. Park Pride works with communities all over Atlanta to improve parks and provides assistance.

“Just seven years ago parks advocates were calling the department dysfunctional and to come so far in such a short period of time is a great accomplishment,” Park Pride Executive Director George Dusenbury said, reflecting on DPRCA’s recent accreditation.

For more information on the City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, please call 404-817-6788 or visit us online at www.atlantga.gov.
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Atlanta Announces Municipal Carbon Footprint to Measure Emission Reductions

Data release coincides with inaugural sustainability report for Atlanta

Today Mayor Shirley Franklin released Atlanta city government’s first report on greenhouse gas emissions as the first step towards the goal of reducing emissions in the city seven percent by 2012. Also known as the “carbon footprint,” the figure was calculated with the help of a student-faculty team from the Georgia Institute of Technology and establishes a baseline to measure progress in Atlanta’s sustainability efforts.

“The City of Atlanta’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2007 came to 540 thousand metric tonnes, which is equivalent to the household energy use of 150,000 Atlanta residents or 98,000 passenger vehicles,” said Valerie Thomas, Anderson Interface Associate Professor at the Stewart School of Industrial and Systems at Georgia Tech and primary author of the report. “Having conducted an inventory and committed to reducing emissions makes the City of Atlanta a leader in the state and region and well ahead of federal action on climate change.”

“We know that the opportunities to reduce our emissions are great, particularly now with the federal administration’s focus on green job creation and green energy,” said Mayor Franklin. “With funding from the recently-passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Atlanta’s sustainability efforts will focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives which will create jobs, save money and protect our environment,” she said.

Determining Atlanta city government’s carbon footprint coincides with the release of the inaugural sustainability report for Atlanta. Produced by Sustainable Atlanta (a non-governmental partner to the city’s Office of Sustainability), the report compiles readily available data to create benchmarks for measuring Atlanta’s sustainability efforts, including the city’s carbon footprint. The report – available at www.sustainableatlanta.org – also provides best practices, context, proposed strategies and action in the areas of water; energy and climate change; parks and greenspace; and recycling and materials management.

“The Sustainability Report for Atlanta is both a map and milepost,” said Lynnette Young, executive director of Sustainable Atlanta. “It is a snapshot of Atlanta’s current status as it relates to sustainability and a context for future measurement and opportunity, determining what we can do together to help the city advance sustainable lifestyles for everyone.”

Launched in 2008 with support from the Kendeda Fund, the Atlanta Office of Sustainability is working across city departments to “green” operations and at the same time, maximize efficiencies. Sustainable practices implemented at City Hall are already generating a 20 percent drop in electricity use, with a forecast of nearly $135,000 in annual operations cost savings.

With the municipal carbon footprint established, the next step will be to develop the Atlanta Climate Action Plan. "The Climate Action Plan will be our blueprint to guide all city departments so that current initiatives and near-term objectives are aligned with achieving the 2012 emissions reduction goal," said Mandy Schmitt, Atlanta’s Director of Sustainability. "This strategic effort to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions supports the ultimate goal of making Atlanta a community that lives within the self-perpetuating limits of its environment, while maintaining high standards for economic growth, environmental integrity, and social justice."

According to Schmitt, near-term goals for Atlanta city government to achieve by the end of 2009 include:

1. 10 percent drop in energy use in general fund* facilities through low/no-cost conservation measures yielding $300,000 to $500,000 in annual savings
2. Five percent drop in water use in general fund facilities
3. At least two renewable energy demonstration projects
4. Three percent drop in fossil fuels used by municipal fleet yielding $267,000 in annual savings
5. 10 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in general fund facilities

Atlanta’s greenhouse gas inventory was guided by a protocol developed by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability. Atlanta is one of more than 1,057 cities, towns and counties worldwide that are members of ICLEI and that have made a commitment to sustainable development. Atlanta also hosts ICLEI’s Southeast Regional Office, and city staff shares office space with ICLEI representatives to maximize the organization’s resources in developing performance-based, results-oriented campaigns and programs.

About Atlanta’s Sustainability Initiative
The ambitious goal of reducing Atlanta city government’s greenhouse gas emissions seven percent by 2012 was set by Mayor Franklin in 2005 in Washington, D.C. when she and 140 other mayors identified environmental sustainability as a critical factor for American cities. They signed the U.S. Mayor’s Conference Climate Protection Agreement charging themselves with creating and implementing sustainability plans based on best global practices. With the help of the Kendeda Foundation, the Franklin administration then launched a parallel effort both inside and outside city government: The Office of Sustainability is reforming city government operations, while Sustainable Atlanta, a private-sector team of consultants led by former Atlanta COO Lynnette Young, is developing public policy recommendations for sustainability improvements throughout the city. For additional information regarding the City’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.atlantaga.gov/mayor/sustainability.aspx, and to learn more about Sustainable Atlanta, go to www.sustainableatlanta.org or contact Dana Hartline at 404.832.6358 or dana.hartline@edelman.com.
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Mayor Franklin's Statement Regarding Department of Watershed Management’s Hearing at the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee

As one of the largest water utilities in the southeast, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management is constantly striving to effectively and efficiently maintain, manage and operate a water and wastewater system that serves more than a million customers. Over the past eight years, the Department has turned the corner on upgrading an aging water and wastewater infrastructure, and we will continue those efforts.

Commissioner Rob Hunter and I appreciated the opportunity to hear from Chairman Tommy Smith and others today and to share information about the strides we have made in the management of our system. It was also a chance to thank the General Assembly for its support over the years as Atlanta moves to improve not just our infrastructure, but our customer service as well. The City generates more than two million bills every year, and, with that number, there are bound to be issues -- many of which are due to leaks, running toilets, meter mis-reads and mere high usage, but some of which are due to mistakes on our part.

Aside from infrastructure work, like tunnel construction, sewer separation, sewer rehabilitation and water main replacement projects, the Department has made major improvements that include a new customer service call center, installation of new meters capable of being read remotely and facility upgrades in an effort to continue our efforts to become a Best Practice model.

We welcome the chance to hear the concerns of our customers, and we believe it is our solemn obligation to give our ratepayers the service they deserve. It is an obligation we take seriously.

- Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin
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City of Atlanta Class A Festival Schedule

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events remains committed to working with all Class A festival organizers during the upcoming 2009 festival season. Last fall city officials met with all Class A festival organizers regarding drought conditions and Piedmont Park’s use during the upcoming festival season (April through October 2009).

The Organizers agreed to the following arrangements.

· Dogwood Festival will be held in Piedmont Park on April 17-19, 2009.
· Screen on the Green will be held in Centennial Park starting on May 29, 2009.
· The Atlanta Jazz Festival will continue its Memorial Day tradition in Grant Park.
· The Peachtree Road Race will be held on the Fourth of July starting at Lenox Square and ending on 10th Street. T-Shirt distribution and family gatherings will be held in the Meadow at Piedmont Park.
· Atlanta Pride, originally scheduled for June 26-28, 2009 at Central Park, has now been moved outside the festival season and will take place on October 31-November 2, 2009, at Piedmont Park.

“We value the festivals as a rich part of Atlanta’s culture and are pleased to work with all of the festival organizers to find suitable venues this year,” says Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Dianne Harnell Cohen.
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Mural Conservation Completed at Adams Park

The City of Atlanta Public Art Program has completed the conservation of the ever popular “Fish Dreams” mural at the façade of the Adams Park Bathhouse. This mural was originally completed in 1992 by treasured Atlanta-based photographer, painter, and writer Lynn Marshall Linnemeier. Through her colorful artworks, she focused on documenting the people and places of the south. This early artwork has a playful illustrative appearance that speaks to the innocence and inquisitive nature of children playing in the natural world.

The Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program hired art Conservator, Vivianna Dominguez to bring the mural back to life. The effects of ultra violet rays and acid rain had worn the painted finishes to a dull and hazy finish and many of the pigments had actually disappeared. We made an economical and practical choice by hiring the expert Vivianna Dominguez, who also trained our art maintenance staff to conserve and care for the artwork while they assisted her to accomplish this great achievement. The conservation project was completed in less than 10 days thanks to local conservator Kate Singley who graciously donated specialized chemicals when the team ran out.

The artist, Lynn Linnemeier, is a newly appointed member of the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee and currently teaches photography at Emory University. For more information, contact the Office of Cultural Affairs Project Supervisor, Robert Witherspoon at 404-817-6758 or www.ocaatlanta.com
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City of Atlanta Department of Public Works FY 2009 Operational Changes

In accordance with the recently implemented citywide furlough plan, the Department of Public Works-Solid Waste Services has adjusted operating hours and service delivery.

Effective Monday, January 5, 2009 Solid Waste Services will implement the following schedule and service changes:

- Weekly garbage collection will continue, but on a four (4) day schedule
- Recycling and Yard Waste collection will change from weekly to every other week, on the customer’s scheduled collection day, per the attached calendar.
- Friday pickups are being absorbed within the four (4) day schedule. There are approximately 20,000 customers who currently receive Friday pick up service. A separate notice will be delivered to these customers indicating their new pick up day.
- There are approximately 5,000 customers who receive back yard pick up service. Their pick up service may or may not change depending upon their address. These customers will receive a separate notice if there are any changes to their scheduled pick up service.

The Customer Service Call Center can be reached Monday - Thursday, 8:15 am - 6:00 pm at (404) 330-6333 or via email to publicworks@atlantaga.gov.

For additional information, please contact Valerie Bell-Smith, Public Relations Manager at (404) 330-6215 or via email at: vbell-smith@atlantaga.gov.
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Atlanta Citizen Review Board Considers Complaints

On November 13, 2008, the Atlanta Citizen Review Board held its monthly meeting and considered its first seven complaints. The Board voted unanimously to seek further investigation or information concerning three of the complaints and to refer two of the remaining four complaints to the Atlanta Police Department Office of Professional Standards. The remaining two complaints have already been investigated by the Office of Professional Standards.

The ordinance requires complaints be filed within 180 days after the incident and that the complaints fall into six specific categories of alleged misconduct. The categories include abusive language, false arrest, false imprisonment, harassment, excessive force, and serious bodily injury or death which is alleged to be the result of a sworn employee of the police or corrections departments. The four cases that were dismissed were either untimely or did not fall into the classifications authorized by the Ordinance.

The Atlanta Citizen Review Board was established by the City Council to investigate allegations of misconduct by police and corrections officers and to advise the mayor, the president of council, council members and the chief of police and the chief of corrections on policies and actions of the police and corrections department with the purpose of improving the ability of police personnel to carry out their duties and to improve the relationship between the department, corrections and the community.

The Board meets on the second Thursday of each month and over the past 18 months has become fully functional. It consists of eleven volunteer members who were selected by various stakeholders, including Neighborhood Planning Units, the League of Women Voters, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Gate City Bar Association, the Atlanta Business League and city officials.
Members of the Board and the Executive Director are available to address community groups. For Further Information please contact, Cristina Beamud, Executive Director, Atlanta Citizen Review Board, 404-865-8628.
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Atlantans Still Facing Aftermath of March Tornados

Eight months after a tornado tore through the heart of Atlanta, volunteers will pick up hammers and nails to repair work one of the last homes damaged in the city’s eastern neighborhood.

Atlanta City Councilmembers Natalyn Archibong and Mary Norwood will join dozens of volunteers in finishing the repairs to 1427 Glenwood Avenue on Saturday, November 15.

A press conference will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the site, during which event organizers will also announce the 2008 Neighborhood Housing Coalition’s Home for the Holiday’s Campaign, which is designed to raise awareness of activities that are taking place in metro Atlanta that are helping people get in their homes, stay in their homes (avoid foreclosure) and impact public safety issues in our neighborhoods and communities.

The community effort is in collaboration with the Fuller Center for Housing, Charitable Connections, Atlanta Christian College Operation Restoration, Inc., The International Campaign for Victory Over Violence, Inc. and the Neighborhood Housing Coalition.

“We are pleased that so many community organizations have come together to help those still struggling to rebuild,” said Councilwoman Norwood. “Although many homeowners have recovered from the tornado, the reality is that there are others who haven’t.”

In the weeks following the March 14th twister, volunteers repaired dozens of houses, removed tons of debris, and hauled away fallen trees in several neighborhoods all across the city. But current economic conditions have made it next to impossible for some homeowners to completely finish and some cases, start repairing damage to their homes and property.

“Although it’s been eight months since the horrific March 14th tornado, there are still families who have not been able to afford to repair their homes,” said Councilwoman Archibong. “Sadly, the Nash family has been displaced since the night of the tornado and this effort will ensure that they will be able to return home soon.”

For more information, contact Michelle Uchiyama of Charitable Connections, Inc. at (404) 274-2406.
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The BeltLine is Happening: Historic Fourth Ward Park Breaks Ground

Thirty-five acres of blighted industrial lowland across North Avenue from City Hall East will be a step closer to transformation into Historic Fourth Ward Park after a groundbreaking ceremony at 10:30 a.m. next Wednesday, October 15, 2008. Construction of a detention pond as part of the Clear Creek Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Capacity Relief Project will pave the way for the development of the first park in the emerald necklace that will ultimately be Atlanta’s BeltLine. Land for the park was first secured by the Trust for Public Land in 2004.

“The City of Atlanta is thrilled to be part of this exciting development,” Mayor Shirley Franklin said. “This park will provide vital greenspace and improve the quality of life for our neighbors in the Historic Fourth Ward.”

Initially, the City had intended to address CSO overflow problems in the Old Fourth Ward area of the Clear Creek Basin by constructing an extension of the West area CSO tunnel. But with construction of the detention pond, the City is reclaiming what was once a wetland and creating a centerpiece for the future park at a cost that is lower than the cost of the tunnel extension. The park will connect several historic neighborhoods and downtown, which have long been separated by racial, economic and physical barriers.

“This is one of those rare public projects that has captured the imagination of everyone involved,” said Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall. “The year-long design process brought residents, stormwater engineers, and landscape architects together as equals around a common table. Because the process respected the core values of the Old Fourth Ward – diversity, innovation, and a commitment to social justice – one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods is now home to its most forward-thinking park.”

The collaborating organizations that are making the Historic Fourth Ward Park possible are:

The BeltLine, which will combine greenspace, trails, transit and new development along 22 miles of historic rail segments that encircle Atlanta, is a solution to the challenges that threaten to limit Atlanta’s health and prosperity: traffic; lack of greenspace and recreation opportunities; and uneven economic development.

“Historic Fourth Ward Park is a shining example of how the BeltLine, with Tax Allocation District funding, can facilitate more holistic consideration of our greatest urban infrastructure challenges,” said Atlanta BeltLine Inc. President and CEO Terri Montague. “Beginning with passionate members of the community and continuing through the collaboration with government entities and leveraging of diverse public and private funding, we are delivering urban redevelopment.”

The Department of Watershed Management, which is using the Clear Creek CSO Capacity Relief Project to create an amenity that will be enjoyed by residents in the area, is spending $4 billion to overhaul long-neglected water and sewer infrastructure. The project will help reduce overflows in the low-lying area near City Hall East and provide additional combined sewer capacity for the rapidly growing community.

“This project not only helps eliminate a serious problem, it also provides an attractive and functional amenity,” DWM Commissioner Rob Hunter said. “In 2006, we built a similar retention pond in the Collegetown community of Southwest Atlanta, and residents have been very happy with the results.”

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs enhances the lives of City of Atlanta residents and visitors by offering programs, services and activities that encourage participation in recreational activities, leisure services and cultural experiences. The department strives to deliver quality customer service through the development, operation and maintenance of the city's public parks, recreation and cultural affairs facilities to create an environment that is deemed safe, affordable and enriching for all.

Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 2 million acres of land in 45 states.

The Park Area Coalition is a group of developers, property owners and neighborhood leaders committed to the development of Historic Fourth Ward Park as the centerpiece of a larger, higher density, sustainable urban neighborhood. It was convened as a response to the anticipated significant densification of the Old Fourth Ward and surrounding neighborhoods.

o "The Beltline is the most potentially city-changing project that has ever been undertaken in Atlanta,” said Bob Bridges, Executive Vice President, The Simpson Organization and founding PAC member. “Because of development patterns for intown Atlanta, HFWP is likely to be the most heavily used park that is created as a result of the BeltLine."

The Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy was formed in 2008 as the non-profit support arm for the Historic Fourth Ward Park. The Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy’s mission includes developing, enhancing, and maintaining the Park to the benefit of the citizens of Atlanta and its many visitors. The Conservancy will provide support beyond that provided by the City of Atlanta, the BeltLine Partnership, Atlanta BeltLine Inc. and other organizations. Funds for adding amenities will be raised through memberships, events and other programs toward making Historic Fourth Ward Park a best-in-class public greenspace.

“Beginning in 2003, the Historic Fourth Ward Park has been a vision that evolved from a singular solution focused on storm water detention to a catalyst for transforming an area to a higher density, higher quality, sustainable urban environment,” said John Perlman of Adams & Co. Real Estate Company, the Acting Chair of the Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy. “Our initial efforts focus on planning to enhance the City’s maintenance and security of the park through direct contributions. In addition, we hope to raise funds for adding amenities through memberships and other fundraising programs.”
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